Plumber License Requirements in West Virginia
| Licensing Authority | West Virginia Division of Labor (WVDOL) |
| License Type | Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber |
| Experience Required | 8,000 hours (4 years) for Journeyman; 10,000 hours (5 years) for Master including time as licensed Journeyman |
| Education Substitute | Approved apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman/Master Plumber Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Exam Fee | $60 |
| Initial License Fee | $75 |
| Est. Initial Total | $210 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Plumber in training license | $25 |
Renewal: $75 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Journeyman/Master Plumber Exam
Exam provider: Prov Exams
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam Secrets Study GuideCovers plumbing code, systems, and installation for the journeyman and master plumber exams — organized topic reviews plus practice questions for a first-try pass.See the study guide →
Mometrix · SponsoredPlumber's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency plumber-exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling code references and terms on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in West Virginia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in West Virginia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Plumber in Training
Entry level — must work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Plumber
8,000 hours (4 years) supervised plumbing work
Exam: Required
Master Plumber
10,000 hours (5 years) plumbing work including time as Journeyman
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 2 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
You're licensed in West Virginia as a plumber — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The West Virginia Division of Labor issues the Journeyman Plumber / Master Plumber; the business that invoices West Virginia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Carry general liability insurance.
West Virginia does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required for all contractors. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck plumber businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $75.
Other licenses in West Virginia
- General Contractor license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $210 in initial government fees · WVCLB
- Electrician license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $50 in initial government fees · WVDOL
- HVAC Technician license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $85 in initial government fees · WVDOL
- Roofing Contractor license in West Virginia
Statewide license required · $210 in initial government fees · WVCLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a plumber license in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia requires a statewide plumber license through the West Virginia Division of Labor.
How much does a plumber license cost in West Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $210, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a plumber license in West Virginia?
8,000 hours (4 years) for Journeyman; 10,000 hours (5 years) for Master including time as licensed Journeyman Education substitute: Approved apprenticeship program may satisfy experience requirements
What exams are required for a plumber license in West Virginia?
You must pass the Journeyman/Master Plumber Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Prov Exams.
Does West Virginia have plumber license reciprocity?
Yes, West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 2 states that may apply to plumbers. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a plumber license in West Virginia?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for plumbers in West Virginia?
No, West Virginia does not currently require continuing education for plumber license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for plumbers in West Virginia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: WVDOL